Nick Faldo has an advice ahead of Dubai Moonlight Classic
Course designer and former major champion insists strategy will be the key
Dubai: A world class line-up of golfing stars from the women’s game will this week plot their campaign around the Faldo Design course during the Omega Dubai Moonlight Classic.
Played under floodlights at Emirates Golf Club, six-time Major champion and golf course designer, Sir Nick Faldo anticipates strategy as being the key to winning the coveted Dallah trophy at his Dubai-based course ahead of this week’s iconic three-day Ladies European Tour (LET) event.
“The players will need to think carefully around this golf course. Faldo Design has been working with the club on a few changes to improve strategy and playability, and there’s no real benefit to gaining extra length out there – anyone that tries that is likely to find themselves in trouble,” Faldo said ahead of the tournament.
“From the tee, the key is very much to find the right approach angles to the greens. Good iron play will be vital to get in the right spots on the big greens. You cannot ignore the strength and opportunity in the women’s game right now and this unique event is proof of that. It will do a great deal to highlight where the ladies’ game is at right now, and the future is definitely bright,” he added.
It will be a great experience for the 56 players with different bunkers to challenge as well as choosing which line to take. I think course knowledge is one thing for those who have played in Dubai before, but I also think playing under floodlights requires sensible course playing management
Played under the course’s floodlights, the event is recognised as the only professional day-night tournament on Tour and creates an impressive stage when matched with the neighbouring theatre of Dubai’s skyline.
This particular LET event in Dubai means even more to Faldo with a number of alumni from his junior Faldo Series teeing up, including three-time LET winner Carly Booth and Solheim Cup star, Florentyna Parker.
“Events like this demonstrate to me that the near 25 years of hard work with the series is paying off, especially when I see the likes of Carly and Florentyna on the start sheet. We started the series with a mission to help to develop ‘Tomorrows Champions’ and now with over 70 players on Professional Tours, including eight of my alumni playing this week, I can only see it as a great inspiration for all young aspiring golfers out there looking to follow in their footsteps. This is a unique event, absolutely, and it will do a great deal to highlight where the ladies game is at right now,” Faldo noted.
This week’s three-day event is being held behind closed doors and within a bio-secure environment. The Omega Dubai Moonlight Classic is to take place under the appropriately named theme ‘Time To Shine’ after many tournaments were cancelled or postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Speaking about the latest status of the course ahead of the tournament, Executive Tournament Director, Simon Corkill, said: “The team at Emirates Golf Club have done a superb job. It will be a great experience for the 56 players with different bunkers to challenge as well as choosing which line to take. I think course knowledge is one thing for those who have played in Dubai before, but I also think playing under floodlights requires sensible course playing management.”
Formerly known as the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters, the inaugural tournament was played in 2006, with a strong roll call of previous winners, including two-time winner Annika Sorenstam and four-time champion, Shanshan Feng. Sorenstam won the first two events back to back in 2006 and 2007, while Chinese former world no.1, Feng, dominated from 2014-2016, winning the tournament three times in-a-row.
This year’s event from November 4-6 will have 56 players competing for a part of the $285,000 (Dhs 1.04 million) prize fund.